Research using Tensilica's Technology
This request to use Tensilica's tools is twofold. The first is to evaluate the tools for use in graduate courses on digital design and in senior undergraduate projects. The second is to evaluate the tools for possible use in a specific graduate project defined as follows:
The objective of the project will be to develop and test customized processor architectures and configurable instructions sets for the purposes of implementing a multi-spectrum multi-system solution for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Primary challenges included implementing a suitable hardware platform development environment for the target FPGA, which includes application device drivers, high-speed ADC interfaces, and an appropriate analog signal receiver front-end. Resources available include software and hardware from CMC Microsystems, as well as various FPGA development boards. The effectiveness of the Tensilica tools will be determined by evaluating the system capabilities for projects such as the one above and evaluating the length of the tools learning curve to determine if it is suitable for undergraduate and/or graduate projects.
Outline of curriculum and Courses
- CMPE2213 Digital Systems
- CMPE3221 Computer Organization
- CMPE3232 Embedded System Design
- CMPE3242 Computer Architecture
- CMPE4040 Computer Engineering Project Design
- CMPE4251 Real Time Systems
- CMPE4261 Digital Systems Design
- CMPE4273 VLSI System Design
- CMPE4433 Safety-Critical System Design
The first 6 course are core undergraduate Computer Engineering courses, which cover topics from digital logic, to microprocessors (using the Altera NIOSII and Freescale MC9S12DT256 processors), to FGA design (using both Xilinx and Altera tool sets) to system design.
Student/Assistants Outreach
For this year as the tools are evaluated:
- 1 student at the PhD level
- 1 student at the MSc level
- 2 professors will be using the tools
- In the following years, there will be 7 to 15 students at the MSc/PhD level using the tools
University of New Brunswick link
University of New Brunswick Electrical and Computer Engineering Department link
Prof. Mary E. Kaye
|
